Hi. My husband and I would like to plan a driving vacation. We've thought about Italy or Switzerland. We enjoy pastural countrysides, breathtaking views, quaint towns, and historic sites. Not so much into spending a great deal of time in museums and large cities (although, of course we'd want to see the "must-sees" in any big city). Been to Scandanavia and want to save London for when our son is a little older. This trip will just be for us. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank-you.

How long do you have?<BR>For a few days of peace and lovely countryside Luxembourg is nice...doesn't take long to do the whole country though. We spent a long weekend touring Lux and it was the most relaxing trip we have taken yet! You could do the Bavarian Alps drive for some great mountain views. A drive through the Black Forest region also offers some beautiful spots. Haven't been through the Italian Alps yet but I hear that that is very beautiful too.

Risa,<BR><BR>You can do both Switzerland and Italy in the same vacation--if you want.<BR><BR>I would recommend you check out airfares into Zurich, which should be less expensive than Milan from most US gateways. Additionally, rental cars in Switzerland are almost 50% cheaper than Italy. (Italy requires that all cars are priced with mandatory CDW and Theft protection coverage.)<BR><BR>The glories of Switzerland are just too numerous to mention in one e-mail.<BR><BR>Check some of the Switzerland and Italian Lake District threads to get an idea of places that capture your interest. (or) Go to the library and check out the Michelin Green guides for both areas--- their rating system of places to see will give you a good "starting point" for formulating an itinerary.<BR><BR>You can't make a "wrong" decision in either of these areas. Just do remember that temps are governed by time of year as well as altitude. (You didn't say when you plan to do this trip.)<BR><BR>The number of days you have available will govern the territory you can cover.<BR><BR>We have had six or seven trips to Switzerland and northern Italy, and could probably plan as many more without running out of wonderful places to visit.<BR><BR>

Agree with Switzerland/Northern Italy. For completely unspoiled, breathtaking scenary and different (although pricey) try Iceland

Unlike some of the other posters, my answer isn't about a country. It's about an area---the Alps. A driving vacation across the Alpine scenery of France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria can be the most awesome experience you'll ever have. All of the things you want are there.<BR><BR>For a summertime visit, any area in the Alps, in any of the countries, would be wonderful. Just before and just after summer, limit yourself to the south side of the Alps, which will still be warm enough. <BR><BR>There are so many beautiful valleys surrounded by mountains, with lovely villages, that it's difficult to list a top ten set of places to see or go. My own favorite areas for a summer visit are the following:<BR>-The Salzkammergut lakes and mountains of Austria.<BR>-The countryside around Hallstatt in Austria.<BR>-The Carinthian province of Austria, which is lovely, warm, and full of lakes, mountains, and neat villages.<BR>-The Berner Oberland of Switzerland.<BR>-The Engadine valley of Switzerland.<BR>-The area around Chamonix, Megeve, and Mont Blanc in France.<BR>-The Stubai and Otz valleys west of Salzburg. <BR>-The many valleys and mountains of the Italian Dolomites, for instance Val Gardena, Val di Funes, Val Venosta.

For a good driving route and natural beauty it is hard to beat this one:<BR>Salzburg and Austrian Lakes<BR>Bavaria--castles et al<BR>Dolomites<BR>Italy Lakes<BR>Engadine valley back to Munich<BR><BR>Holler if you need specifics.

Scotland. If ever there was a country made to drive in this is it. I have ready made tours just waiting for your say so

Have you thought about the Rhine and Moselle areas of Germany? You could fly into one of the bigger north German hubs, maybe frankfurt or Dusseldorf, and in no time at all be out in vinyard strewn countryside with ancient cobbled towns and hotels with beautiful castle and river views. Its easy driving country too, and your son may like one of the river trips between the towns. well worth considering I think.

Thank-you all for the many thoughtful responses. Perhaps, I can get more specific now, if you are still out there. If we have a week to 10 days, any time during the summer, and go with the area around the Alps (always been on my "to-do" travel list), where should we begin? Thanks again! Risa

Start and end in Annecy.<BR><BR>I'll also throw out a late vote for the Dordogne/Perigord area - probably the best car touring we've ever had, lovely accommodations, lots of English spoken if that's a concern, and the food, well...<BR><BR>But wait, there's more - East Anglia, starting/ending in Cambridge. Poke around the fens, the Suffolk villages, Constable country...then overnight at one of a zillion pubs with friendly faces and good beer. <BR><BR>Oh, my. Doing this on a Monday is not good...

Risa--I believe it's now time for you to do some homework. Before you ask for more suggestions, study up a bit on the areas you consider to be of interest. Follow the strings in this forum on those topics. Get a guidebook or two; it's worth the money. Decide, on the basis of what you learn, on an itinerary that sounds like what you want. Then come back to this forum with specific questions about the itinerary and ask for other suggestions about what to see and do.<BR>Good luck,<BR>Wayne

Risa...where do you need to begin? Do you need to end in the same place? Are you flying into a certain city or is that to be decided by your driving itinerary? What time of year will you be travelling? You have to give us somewhere to start!